Set against the foothills of the Alps in Northern Italy’s Lombardy region, there are few bodies of water more dramatic, more famous, and more visited than Lake Como. The dominating scenery of majestic mountains, lush forests, and charming towns and villages speak for themselves – and chances are, you’ve already seen them in countless films and photos. It is undoubtedly one of the prettiest locations for a holiday, but at 46 kilometres long, it’s also quite large with lots to do. So, the question dawns, how do you plan a trip to Lake Como?

Here at Plum Guide, we have plenty of travel experts on hand to help you navigate the tricky bits of booking, planning, and organising. Fortunately for you, we know this region like the back of our hand, so read on for an extensive three-day itinerary to Lake Como. It’s all here – where to go, what to do, what to see, eat and drink.

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The clue is in the name. We can think of no better way to spend your first in Lake Como than exploring by boat. Organising this can get a little bit confusing, so we’ll break it down for you. For starters, you have private tours, group tours, and hop-on-hop-off tours all being offered. While there are options to hire a boat for just an hour or two, given the size of Lake Como, if you really want to explore it properly without rushing, we would highly recommend spending a full day on your chosen vessel.

Boat tours can be found throughout all of the major towns around Lake Como, but Como itself is the tourist hub and the best place to start looking and booking.

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For the convenient, budget-friendly option, there are public ferries available. Operated by the local transport service, these large ferries run on set timetables throughout the day, calling at all many of the most popular towns and villages dotted around the lake. They’re slow enough to enjoy the wonderful views along the way, and with your ticket, you can hop on and off at various points of interest around the lake as many times as you’d like – pretty much perfect for exploring and going at your own pace.

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If you’re looking for something a little more special away from the crowds, how about a romantic, luxurious sailing tour? Hiring a sailing boat for the day gives you a much more intimate experience – not to mention access to secluded coves, hidden beaches, and cliffs that the public ferries don’t call at. With no other passengers or groups to cater for, you’ll be able to set the pace here. Whether you’re looking to hit all the top locations and explore, or take it easy, sipping on a glass of Prosecco and picking at a fine Italian spread, your captain can accommodate you in whichever way needed. Bliss.

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We’re not talking about gondolas, but the classy, mahogany Riva Aquarama boats – the type Daniel Craig’s James Bond would coast around in (and has done, on this very lake, actually). For a touch of class and speed, these boats can be found for hire all around the lake. You’ll travel privately in style and cover more distance quicker than anything else. Again, just like the sailing tour, you can tailor your Lake Como itinerary and options to suit all needs. That means glasses of fizz and delicious cheese can be provided.

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Whichever way you decide to sail, ensure you stop at both Bellagio and Varenna throughout the day. Varenna is a charming village located on the eastern shores of the lake with winding streets and alleys filled with character. There's a reason it's one of the most-photographed spots in the area. Make sure you bring a camera to capture the colourful houses, botanical gardens and lakeside setting on film.

Meanwhile, across the lake is Bellagio, often known as ‘the Pearl of Lake Como’. It’s not hard to see why. Centred right in the middle of Lake Como, the town is prized for its iconic views of the lake and mountains, storybook-like cobbled streets, and elegant villas and gardens. Spend your afternoon exploring Giardini di Villa Melzi and Parco di Villa Serbelloni, or just laze about in the sun and go for a swim at the exceptional Spiaggia Pubblica di Bellagio. It’s one of the best beaches around Lake Como.

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Como is the largest town in the region and the main hub for visitors. It has great train connections to Milan and the rest of Italy, while the ferry port gives you access to the whole lake. Situated at the southern end of Lake Como, it has a rich history that dates back to the Roman era and has remained an important centre of commerce and culture ever since. It only makes sense that on day two of your itinerary of Lake Como, you take the time to explore this wonderful town.

Start your morning with a visit to the Duomo, a stunning cathedral dating back to the 14th century and featuring Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Continue through the historic centre of the town, admiring the beautiful architecture and cobblestoned streets. Keep an eye out for the town hall in particular, which is housed in an old medieval palace. For lunch, swing by La Vita è Bella Ristorante – it’s a rustic, snug little spot offering some of the best food in Como. Thank us later.

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In the afternoon, take a ten-minute funicular ride from Como to the small town of Brunate, dubbed the ‘Balcony of the Alps’. Up here, you’ll be treated to some of the most stunning views of Lake Como and the Alps. Take a few hours to admire and snap away with a camera while also exploring Brunate’s charismatic streets. Back down in Como, if time allows for an added extra, we can highly recommend the Museo della Seta to learn a little more about the town’s silk-making heritage.

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Come dinnertime, the options are endless. Whether you fancy a laid-back trattoria, family-style pizzeria or a gourmet restaurant, Como has something to suit every foodie (and every traveller).

Our personal choice would be Feel Como. Refined yet cosy, this restaurant makes the most of local produce with set menus featuring freshwater fish and regional game. Don’t be surprised to see this one pick up a Michelin star sooner rather than later.

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Ready to stretch those legs? Of course you are. Lake Como is a fantastic destination for lovers of the great outdoors. We can think of no better way to spend your third (and final) day here than by hiking along the shore and admiring the pristine Alpine surroundings.

For a relatively easy three-hour walk, you’ll find the Greenway Del Lago di Como on the west shore. It's 11 kilometres long, stretching between Colonno and Griante. This is a leisurely and pleasant hike, so take your time and drink in those magnificent views. You’ll come across plenty of ancient villages, both Romanesque and Baroque churches, as well as stunning gardens and villas.

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An absolute not-to-be-missed highlight in this particular part of Lake Como is the Villa del Balbianello in the commune of Lenno. Make sure to factor in the extra time (a couple of hours) to visit this wonderfully preserved 18th-century villa. Originally built for Cardinal Angelo Durini and featured in several blockbusters including Star Wars: Attack of the Clones and Casino Royale, it’s a fantastic example of Italian architecture, along with its meticulously well-maintained gardens. The beautiful terraces, fountains, and sculptures are all set against the unforgettable backdrop of the lake and Alps beyond – we don’t blame you for wanting to stay put.

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After your hike, we think you deserve a reward. Head further up the west coast to the town of Domaso, where you can partake in a tour of the Azienda Agricola Sorsasso – the Sorsasso Family Winery. This is an authentic Italian family-run wine estate that’s been nurtured over many generations. With a lovely host on hand to guide you through the cellar, you can try three different types of wine grown on the estate, as well as some delicious local specialities to pair. If you ask us, that's the perfect way to end your itinerary for Lake Como.

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Explore our exclusive collection of homes in Lake Como.